British Glass (others)

A few of the other glass studios featured from
around the British Isles.

Glass produced from some of these makers can
be termed 'Studio
Glass' and usually only available in limited
quantities due to smaller production facilities. However
this does increase the exclusivity and many collectors
see this as a highly desirable trait.

Alum Bay (Glass,
est. 1972)

Current makers based at the Isle of Wight.
Notable creations are Jack-in-Pulpit
vases and effects used include
iridescent finishes and a swirling,
mottled finish similar to that
employed by Maltese companies,
Mtarfa and Mdina, amongst others.

Caithness (Glass,
est. 1961)

Current maker based in Perth, Scotland. Produce
a wide range of collectable paperweights
and glassware. Some Caithness vases
are identifiable by a ribbon
inclusion that trails down each
side and through the base.

Dartington (Crystal,
est. 1966)

Founded Dartington Glass and then adopted
the current name in 1987. Most
notable designer was Frank Thrower
who was responsible for introducing
Swedish glassworkers and the influence
can be seen in many of their 1970s
production.

David Wall
(Tamar Glass,
est. 1993)

David Wall was one of the founders of
Tamar Glass in
1993 and based
in Cornwall. This
particular piece
is an excellent
Studio Art glass
vase/jug featuring
a deep blue glass
with frosted
exterior. Signed 'David
Wall' on the base
and dated 2000.

John Ditchfield (Glasform,
est. 1982)

Worked for a number of years at Venetian Glass
Company (in Blackpool!), under the guidance of
Muranese master, Franco Toffio.

Guernsey Glass (est. c.1960?)

Not much known, but it is believed their
glass was actually made by another
company (apparently Mosser?), using moulds
owned by Guernsey Glass. Usually
marked on the base with an embossed
motif.

Were known to produce slag glass and milk glass
in the 1960s.

Isle of Wight (Studio Glass,
est. 1972)

Founded by Michael Harris after departing Mdina
(Malta). Earlier creations were very
similar to Mdina and, like Mdina, Harris
used the colours of the surroundings
in the items.

Langham (est. 1979)

Started up by Paul Miller who was originally
an employee at Wedgwood.

Liskeard Glass (1970-78,
Studio 1978-83)
Merlin Glass (est. 1983)

Liskeard was founded at the eponymous town in
Cornwall and former glassblowers
from the former Whitefriars concern
were known to join. Some
of the designs and creations do carry
a strong resemblance to WF, such
as the 'knobbly' vases, bowls
and dishes. Liskeard glass normally has
an embossed 'LG' motif on the base,
and is similar in style to that used
by the large LG conglomerate in Korea.

Liskeard was
eventually bought by Liam Carey
in 1983 and renamed Merlin Glass. Known
to produce paperweights but also concentrate
on high quality
door furniture.

Okra (est.
1979)

A Studio Glass company founded by Richard
Goldman in Stourbridge. Okra now
produce fabulous iridescent glassware
with highly imaginative designs that have
a passing resemblance to the Art
Nouveau period.

Collecting
tips

As with all Studio Glass, which some
of the above names can be classified,
while it can be expensive
to purchase it is possible to
find items at excellent prices.
Much of the time this is due
to the seller being unaware
of the potential. Look for
signatures in particular, and
also the high quality of the
glass.